Eye on the World: Boston Marathon bombings

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On Monday afternoon, two bombs exploded near Copley Square, the finish line of the Boston Marathon, killing three people and severely injuring scores of others. As of Tuesday morning, no one had claimed responsibility for the attacks, although police and federal agents had begun pursuing leads. A large area of downtown Boston was cordoned off as investigators hunted for clues about who placed the bombs. The White House said it would treat the attacks as “an act of terror.”

In the wake of an event like this, it can be difficult to know just what to say or do. It’s tempting to feel that our prayers are a drop in the bucket compared to the scenes of destruction on the news. “Comforting Boston” asserts that our prayers have an effect beyond just making ourselves feel better: they prove that fear can’t outmatch freedom, and that love can’t be replaced or destroyed by hatred. Our prayers bring the limitless strength of God into focus, and show that His goodness will surely prevail.

In “Addressing tragedies and sudden endings,” the author discusses how we can take steps toward healing by recognizing that goodness, love, and peace are not helpless. This kind of quiet insistence calms confusion and disorientation, uplifts others, and guides us to appropriate thoughts and actions. It disarms dark intentions that try to lurk in thought, nullifying them before they take form in actions.

You also may enjoy this article, “Praying for victims of tragedy.” The author reminds us that the Christ shows us God’s love and brings healing even to situations where people see irreparable loss. “Our responsibility is faithfully to witness the presence of Love with every individual in need,” she writes, adding, “We can also acknowledge Love's omnipotence in effacing the seeming power of ignorance, hate, or disease.” This kind of prayer is a direct and effective help in the wake of the Boston Marathon attacks, and it brings healing to every corner of the globe.

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